5 Foods That Keep You Up At Night

Having trouble sleeping? You may be falling asleep and waking up several times during the night. Although this is common, you may think that your mind and stresses of the day are causing your sleeplessness. However, it is now known that there are certain foods, besides the obvious caffeine, that can keep you from a peaceful night's sleep.

1. That Awesome Hamburger and Foods High in Fat

If your diet relies to a large degree on foods containing large amounts of saturated fat, your deep sleep may be affected. This can happen early in the night; it can also can interrupt your sleep quality. Multiple studies have shown that a high saturated-fat diet, which is low in fiber, can lead to lighter sleep and more awakenings during the night.

2. Chocolate and Caffeine-rich Foods

Although a hot cocoa beverage, topped with marshmallows, before bedtime might seem a great way to relax, keep in mind that cocoa and chocolate contain caffeine; you know that caffeine is not a great idea when it comes to sleep. Even root beer can contain caffeine, so read labels carefully. As far as those fluffy, sweet marshmallows, read the next item.

3. Delicious Dessert

Sugar and other refined carbohydrates have also been linked to anxiety and insomnia. They can also trigger late-night cravings. In controlled studies, volunteers who ate more sugar spent less time in slow wave sleep, essential for healing and immune function. They also did not fall asleep easily and were more restless. They awoke during the night on a regular basis.

4. A Nightcap - Alcohol

Although not a food, alcohol is taken by some to induce drowsiness. However, it has been shown to cause restless sleep, as the calming effects wear off after a few hours. You're more likely to sleep fitfully, waking up mid-night. It has been shown that after three nights of drinking before bedtime, the body becomes used to the effects of the nightcap and easy sleep is no longer the result.

5. Tomato Sauce and Spicy Foods

Highly acidic and spicy foods can provoke heartburn, which is commonly a cause of interrupted sleep. Foods such as tomato products; citrus fruits; marinated dishes, such as olives and pickles; and dairy products may cause heartburn in some people and thus bring on sleeplessness. It might help to keep a record of what was eaten before the heartburn occurred.

As far as snacking before bedtime, an empty stomach can make insomnia worse. A light snack or food that is high in fiber can help you stay asleep and fall asleep more quickly. A low-sugar and higher fiber diet is also healthier in general and can lead to better sleep at night.

If you are experiencing sleepwalking, called somnambulism, you might want to learn more about the condition as well as see a doctor. Chronic sleep problems may also call for a doctor's visit to find out if there is an underlying cause of sleep disturbance. Meanwhile, eat smart before bedtime and enjoy sweet dreams.